July 2, 2013 > Alameda County issues statement on same sex marriage licenses

Alameda County issues statement on same sex marriage licenses

Submitted By Alameda County Auditor-Controller

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Update:As of June 28, 2013, the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office will issue licenses for same-sex marriages.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 26 - The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder is awaiting further direction by the courts in order to respond to the June 26 ruling by the United States Supreme Court that effectively clears the way for same-sex marriages in California.

Today's ruling by the Supreme Court sends the matter back to the lower courts where the decision overturning Proposition 8 - the voter-backed initiative that would have banned same-sex marriage - was issued.

The lower court must now act to lift the stay and issue a mandate effectuating the decision before Alameda County can issue marriage licenses to same sex couples.

When directed to do so by the lower courts, Alameda County will begin issuing licenses and performing ceremonies for same-sex couples. No change in the County's practices of issuing marriage licenses can occur until such notice is received.

"We are prepared to act immediately on any new direction provided by the courts with regard to the issuance of marriage licenses in Alameda County,'' said Patrick O'Connell, Alameda County Clerk-Recorder. "We are well positioned to deal with any increased volume of customer traffic that may occur in connection with today's Supreme Court ruling.''

Marriage licenses are issued on the first floor of the Clerk-Recorder's Office at 1106 Madison Street in Oakland. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office also has a wedding room on the building's second floor where marriage ceremonies are held.